So Carli wasn’t the only one teaching hearing people to sign. It felt good that others found it an interesting skill to have. Granted, her sister had a degree in teaching, specifically deaf children, so she was probably better at it. Yet Blake hadn’t complained.
You know my friend, Wanda, just had her third grandchild last week.
Oh, geesh, her mother was on the grandchild kick again. She and her siblings glanced around at each other, wondering who would be targeted today. The look in Evan’s eyes told her what he planned to do. Ooh, she’d pay him back for sure.
Carli’s seeing that doctor guy, her brother casually signed. Yeah, nothing casual about his deceit and treachery.
Yes. He was nice, honey. How’s that going?
Throwing daggers at her youngest brother, she answered,We’ve only been on one date so far.
But you’ve made out with him already.
Thanks for announcing that. Yes, we’ve kissed a few times. That doesn’t mean I’m ready to marry him.The thought of it did send her hormones spiraling into the sky.
You know, in Regency times, a kiss would be enough to force you into getting married,Deanna informed them. Her and her books.If you were even in the same room with a guy without a chaperone, you’d be compromised and ruined if you didn’t get married.
Good thing we don’t live in Regency times then.Couldn’t they move onto something else?
Her dad scowled.He’s hearing, huh?
Yes, Dad, but not all hearing people are snobs about deafness.His nephew is deaf, and he’s trying to learn all he can about the culture and the language.
Dad didn’t say anything, but his frown didn’t let up right away.
Her mom got on the subject of grandchildren again, and this time focused on the boys. Evan was twenty-seven until his next birthday in February and Brian was eighteen months older than him. Deanna was eighteen months younger than Carli. Their parents sure hadn’t spaced their kids out much. What would she want to do when the time came? And why did Blake feature prominently in her mind when thinking about her future children? It had been one date. Along with several spectacular kisses that had curled her toes.
Fortunately, dinner ended without further discussion of her making out with Blake. They all moved to the family room where presents were distributed. Since they’d gotten older, the whole family picked names, so they were only buying for one person, her parents included. They’d argued they didn’t need much and certainly didn’t need gifts from all four of their children.
Deanna was thrilled with the pretty scarf Carli had given her. The colors were neutral enough she could wear it with most of her outfits, and it would keep her lanyard from rubbing against her neck at work. Her sister had complained about that frequently enough it had given her the idea.
I also just sent you a link to a video of twenty different ways you can wear the scarf.
Excellent, thanks.
Carli got some new virus protection for her laptop from Brian. Exactly what she needed as hers had expired. Her brother even said he’d install it for her. Perfect. She loved that the gifts they gave were meaningful. They didn’t cost a lot, but they meant something to each person.
Deanna and her mom started picking up the wrapping paper, while Evan and their dad cleaned off the table. Carli and Brian were on dish duty. Not her favorite, but everyone had to pitch in.
Thinking about the party she’d gone to at the Wentworths, she wondered what it would be like to be rich and have servants who did all this for you.
“You may serve now, Maria.”
Blake sighed at the imperious tone of his mother’s voice. Why hadn’t he ever noticed it before? Or been bothered by it? He knew she liked to sound in control and proper, but did she have to put such denigration into her tone? Maybe he’d gotten so used to it that he didn’t realize. What had happened to wake him up? All he could think of was Carli.
As Maria and Estelle brought in the platters of their Christmas meal, he wondered what she was doing right now. What kind of meal were they having? Most likely, her mom had cooked, and the rest of the family was pitching in to set the table and serve. That’s what had happened on Carli’s birthday.
“Harrison, did you get the details of the merger squared away before you left on Friday?” His father focused on his brother, his hands resting beside his plate as he spoke. Harrison finished chewing and set his fork down. Nothing but impeccable manners would do.
“Mostly. There were a few things I needed to clarify, so I worked on that Saturday morning.”
As they discussed the finer details of this merger, he had to give his brother credit. The merger wasn’t even happening until after New Year’s. Why had he needed to give up half of Christmas Eve in order for it to be ready a week early? This was one of the reasons he always felt relief that he hadn’t given in to the pressure of working for the family business. His mother had been fine with him becoming a doctor, but his father had wanted both his sons to follow in his footsteps. Of course, his mother was only supportive, because being a physician was an important and respected career. What if he’d wanted to do construction like Carli’s brother, Evan? Doubtful that would have gone over well.
“How’s the hospital fundraiser coming on your end, Mom?” His meeting with Don Fitzgerald had worked out the kinks in the venue, and they were back on track with lists of which donors would be best to invite. His mother was supervising the meal and decorations.
“Excellent, dear. We’ve got a tasting of the meal choices in early January, and I’ve already got bids coming in for the decor.”
“Great. I know it’ll be fabulous.”
